1
as in theme
a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition)
the motif of mute figures standing in lonely isolation is a recurrent one in the artist's works
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motif
Now, that motif was appropriated from the western regions on the Silk Road.
—
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
Add a bit of Valentine's Day spirit to your kitchen with this two-pack of plush, 100 percent cotton towels that have a cute conversation heart motif.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 12 Jan. 2026
Both authors write as recovering fawners, weaving their own stories through case studies and explication of therapeutic motifs.
—Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
Plus, all pieces are adorned with mid-century style motifs to give everything an extra boost of vintage flair.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motif
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
Add a bit of Valentine's Day spirit to your kitchen with this two-pack of plush, 100 percent cotton towels that have a cute conversation heart motif.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 12 Jan. 2026
Both authors write as recovering fawners, weaving their own stories through case studies and explication of therapeutic motifs.
—Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
Plus, all pieces are adorned with mid-century style motifs to give everything an extra boost of vintage flair.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
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Specialized themes span food, trekking, family travel, women-only departures, and short breaks.—
Josh Roberts,
USA Today,
10 Jan. 2026
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There’s not much to quibble with in the market’s to-and-fro oscillations among sectors and themes so far.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Harvard researchers call this pattern the jagged technological frontier of AI.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
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With their vibrant pink color and unusual picotee pattern, the flowers of 'Supra Cherry' picotee dianthus will command attention in the garden.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Here are Pereira’s thoughts on several topics, edited for clarity and brevity.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
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Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Erick Taylor,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The runner offers a neutral design with texture and fluff that gives your feet something comfy to sink into.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
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Ross is considered one of the most important figures in golf, and the club is frequently praised for staying true to his traditional design style.—
Chase Jordan
January 13,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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When trips are constant and suitcases are unpacked and repacked on repeat, having a reliable system matters—something that Kathryn doesn’t take for granted.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
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But the distinction may not be quite so neat, because the record is infused by Jesus, Christian imagery and matters of God to an extent that goes beyond easy symbolism.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Join our live chats or ask a question in advance.—
Karen Tumulty,
Washington Post,
15 Jan. 2026
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Business leaders, of course, have their own interests and shareholders to serve, but Democrats can still protect the public interest while giving CEOs a seat at the table to reach pragmatic answers to difficult questions like these.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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